Table with top composed of removable panels

ABSTRACT

A table, such as a coffee table, has a top consisting of a plurality of panels of standard dimensions which are supported by a frame. The frame is formed of horizontal flanges projecting inward from the sides and ends of the top and intermediate members, preferably T-shaped in cross-section, which are supported by the ends or sides. The edge flanges and intermediates are so fabricated that the individual panels, which are preferably flat-topped, thin squares, are supported with their top surfaces level. Some of the panels may be replaced with shallow dish-like members, which are likewise square and are supported at their edges in the same manner as the flat panels. These may be used as planters or may hold art objects, in which case they may be provided with transparent covers. The same technique may be used to provide a shelf below the top. The square pattern may be interrupted by making some of the panels of fractional width, disposed in regular or random patterns.

United States Patent White Sept. 5, 1972 [54] TABLE WITH TOP COMPOSED OF REMOVABLE PANELS [72] Inventor: Maurice D. White, 90 Jordan Place,

Palo Alto, Calif. 94303 [22] Filed: Oct. 12, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 79,721

[52] US. Cl. ..108/l59, 108/25, 108/161,

108/90, 108/13 [51] Int. Cl. ..A47b 3/06 [58] Field of Search ..l08/lll4, 62,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 611,117 9/1898 Grace ..l08/l 14 2,533,831 12/1950 Molla ..l08/153 X 2,683,639 7/ 1954 Brenny ..108/26 X 3,049,388 8/1962 Browne 108/157 3,241,885 3/ 1966 Deaton ..l08/90 X 971,011 9/1910 Kinnear ..287/189.36 A

Primary Examiner-James C. Mitchell Attorney.lulian Caplan [57] ABSTRACT A table, such as a coffee table, has a top consisting of a plurality of panels of standard dimensions which are supported by a frame. The frame is formed of horizontal flanges projecting inward from the sides and ends of the top and intermediate members, preferably T- shaped in cross-section, which are supported by the ends or sides. The edge flanges and intermediates are so fabricated that the individual panels, which are preferably flat-topped, thin squares, are supported with their top surfaces level. Some of the panels may be replaced with shallow dish-like members, which are likewise square and are supported at their edges in the same manner as the flat panels. These may be used as planters or may hold art objects, in which case they may be provided with transparent covers. The same technique may be used to provide a shelf below the top. The square pattern may be interrupted by making some of the panels of fractional width, disposed in regular or random patterns.

12 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATEN TEBSEP 1912 v 3.688.707 sum 1 or 2 w IINVENTOR. MAUR/CED. 'WH/TE" ATTORNEY PAIENTEMEP 5 m2 SHEET 2. 0F 2 INVENTOR MAURICE D. WH/TE ATTORNEY I TABLE WITH TOP COMPOSEDOF REMOVABLE PANELS This invention relates to a new and improved table with a top composed of removable panels. Essentially the table top is rectangular and of a type used for coffee tables and the like. The top is composed of a plurality of square panels supported by the marginal frame of the top plus one or more intermediate supports. By variations in the panels and in the frame construction, a wide variety of decorativeeffects may be obtained. In a variation of the invention, some of the panels may be half-square, quarter-square or other fractions, rectangles rather than squares, in order to break up the regular pattern of the top.

A principal feature of the invention is the formation of the top of the plurality of panels, basically square in shape. These panels may differ in color, finish,omamentation and material. For example, the panels may be formed of ceramics, glass, slate, and wood of various finishes. The panels may be glazed, painted and otherwise ornamented, depending on the taste of the designer. Thus, the table is adaptable to an indefinite variety of decorative effects.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that one or more of the panels may be replaced with a shallow, box-like member having the same shape in plan as the panels. These boxes may be used as planters for real or artificial plants, for out flowers, or for ash trays and other purposes. In addition, art objects may be displayed in the boxes, the boxes being left uncovered or covered with a transparent material as desired.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that the positions of the panels may be varied from time to time to change the effect of the table top, or new or different panels may be substituted for old as desired.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that the square patterns may be broken by using two panels of fractional size in various arrangements, thereby breaking up the straight lines which otherwise occur.

Still another feature of the invention is the fact that the frame which supports the panels may be varied in construction to provide a variable appearance.

One of the features of the invention is the fact that the top is easily assembled, disassembled and altered as required. No special skills or tools are required for such purposes. The panels may be shipped disassembled and assembled by the householder.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that the support for the panels may be arranged that the top surfaces of all panels are level, preferably level with the marginal edging of the top. This arrangement facilitates cleaning the top and also insures that objects placed on the top will not tilt or fall. However, the heights of the panels and frame may be non-uniform. For example, a stack of panels may be placed in one location on the table top, thus having an upper surface higher than surrounding areas. Further, the thicknesses of the panels may be higher or lower than the marginal edges or the intermediate supports; the panels may be of'uniform height but differ from the height of the marginal or intermediate supports.

The appearance of the intermediate or marginal supports may be accented by covering the exposed edges with tape or other material.

Although the invention has particular application in the formation of table tops, nevertheless the shelf of a table may be similarly constructed.

Other features'of the invention are the provision of ornamentations on the table which blend, or contrast with, the panels. Such ornamentations consist of finials,

beveled or otherwise ornamented borders, or ornamental grills alongthe sides or ends, or legs of the table.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters'of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the table of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of an intermediate support of the table.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a corner of the table with the panels removed to reveal the support construction.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified table.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a further modified table.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a still further modified table.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line 77 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line 8--8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of a further modification.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of a further modification. i

Directing attention to the form of the invention shown in FIGS. l-3, table 11 has marginal edges comprising side members 12 and end members 13 which are supported by legs 14. The legs 14 may be interconnected or rigidified by side and end horizontal braces 16, 17 or by other means. The members 12, l3, l6, and 17 are connected to the legs 14 by means of fasteners such as screws 18 which pass through holes in the horizontal members and are threaded into tapped holes in the legs 14. Alternatively, the fasteners may be bolts passing through the connecting members and held by ornamental nuts or the like. The holes in some of the members may be slotted to allow adjustment for the thickness of ornamental members between such members and legs 14. In the form of the invention illustrated, legs 14 are formed of angle bar stock, but it will be understood that this shape is subject to considerable variation.

In the preferred form shown in FIG. 3, the members 12, 13 are essentially T-shaped in cross-section and have level horizontal flanges 21; 22 respectively. It will be understood that instead of T-shaped members 12, 13, the members may be in the form of angle bar stock with the bottom flange shown in FIG. 3 omitted. In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of transverse intermediate supports 23 is provided. Each support 23 is also formed of T-bar stock, and a leg 26 is positioned vertically upwardly and is preferably of the same height as the vertically disposed feet of the members 12, 13, but this height relationship is not essential. As shown, the top edge of 23 is preferably level with the top edges of members 12, 13, and the horizontal feet 24 of 23 are at the same level as flanges 21 and 22 of 12, 13.

To connect intermediate 23 to side member 12 a cut 27 is made below the bottom edge of vertical 26 to a depth about equal to the thickness of flange 21. Feet 24 are bent in downwardly bent portions 28, and the ends 31 are offset below the level of the feet 24 a distance about equal to the thickness of flange 21. Instead of being fabricated of metal, member 23 may be molded. The bottom edge 29 of vertical member 26 in the vicinity of cut 27 rests on flange 21 and the top edge of 26 is level with the top edge of 12. Bottom edge 29 rests on the top of flange 21 and the offsets 31 fit under said flange 21 to prevent tipping.

A plurality of short longitudinal, central, intermediate supports 33 are positioned between the supports 23 and between the endmost supports 23 and ends 13. Supports 33 are similar to members 23 and rest either on 21 or 22.

The offset end 31 is a preferred construction; however, the offset may be omitted and the unevenness in the top surfaces of panels 36, which would otherwise result, may be overcome by shims between the underside of panels 36 and horizontal flanges 21 or 22.

In a preferred form of the invention, the top is composed of a plurality of square panels 36, preferably 12 inches per side. The outer longitudinal edges of panels 36 rest on flanges 21, and the other longitudinal edges rest on flanges 24. The end panels 36 have their outside end edges resting on flanges 22. Thus, the panels are securely supported by members 12, 13 and 23 and 33. The thickness of the panels 36 is preferably, approximately equal to the height of the vertical members of 12, 13, 23 and 33 above the level of flanges 21, 22 and 24. Accordingly, in such construction the tops of the panels are level and the panels are preferably at the same elevation as the top edges 12, 13 and also the intermediate 23 and 33. However, the panels may be higher or lower than the top edges of 12, 13, depending on the effect desired.

As shown in FIG. 4, one or more panel 39 may be formed of a stack of thin panels, each differently ornamented, which may be interchanged in position to vary the display. The tops and bottoms of the panels may be different, so that inverting a panel changes the appearance of the table.

As a modification of the regular square panel 36, a shallow dished panel 37 may be provided having outward extending marginal flanges 35 and which rest on 12, 23. As shown in FIG. 7, dish 37 may be formed with a peripheral flange 35 and a spacer 32 placed between flange 35 and flange 21 (or 22 or 24). Dish 37 may be used for a variety of purposes. Thus, it forms a shallow bowl which may be used as an ash tray, or for sweets, nuts or the like. The dish portion of panel 37 may be filled with earth or water for natural or artificial flowers. The depth of panel 37 is subject to wide variation. If made sufficiently deep, it may be lined with a fabric or other ornamentation and used to display art objects, and for such purpose the panel may be covered with a transparent cover. Panels 37 may contain pictures covered by a transparent material or may have a bottom of cork or similar substance on which small objects are fastened or partially embedded. The panel may be illuminated to serve as a lamp or light box to display objects. One or more of the panels 37 may be used for the above or other purposes depending upon the designer. In FIG. 1 the panel 37 is shown midway of one side of table 11, but one such position may be altered.

In lieu of the use of spacer 32, flange 35: may be bent down in a reverse flange 61 which rests on horizontal flange 21c etc. (See FIG. 10).

The panels 36, 37 are subject to wide variation in color, finish, decoration or material, as has been mentioned. The panels may be cemented or otherwise secured in place when once assembled, but preferably are removable, interchangeable, or replaceable to satisfy the taste of the householder.

Directing attention to FIG. 4, a modification of the invention is shown; because many of the parts are the same or similar to those of the preceding modification, the same reference numerals followed by the subscript a are used to designate corresponding parts. The top of the table of FIG. 4 is interrupted by the use of a square panel 37a which is positioned in the middle with the panels 38 on either side thereof. Such arrangement may be positioned anywhere on the table top, and it will be further understood that instead of a dish panel 37a, one of the square flat panels 360 may be substituted. Instead of panels 38 of half width, other fractional widths, such as one-quarter, may be used and the pattern may be regular or random. In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the intermediates 33a adjacent panel 370 are laterally offset in order to accommodate the central position of the panel 37a.

Another variation shown in FIG. 4 is the provision of a shelf below the table top. Thus, the braces 16, 17 of the preceding modification are replaced with lower side and end supports 41, 42 which are T-shaped in cross-section. There are also provided longitudinal and transverse intermediates (not shown), similar to the intermediates 23 or 33 previously described. The lower panels 44 are supported on members 41, 42 and the intermediates in the same manner as the top of FIG. 1 or FIG. 4 is supported.

As shown in FIG. 9, one or more panels 37d may be in the form generally shown in FIG. 7 but having small interfitting individual sections 56. One section 560 may serve as a coaster for a glass, another 56b as a dish for refreshments, another 560 as an ashtray and the like. Small intermediate supports 62, 63 similar to supports 23 and 33 in shape and function, engage flanges 64 on boundary flanges 66 of dished panel 37d. The sections 56 may be individually removable, and thus panel 37d functions as a server. I

The table of FIG. 5 is quite similar to that of FIG. 1 and the same reference numerals are used to designate corresponding parts, followed by the subscript b. In this modification of the invention, ornamentation is supplied to the rather straight lines of FIG. 1. Thus, finials 46 are welded or otherwise attached to the upper corners of the legsl4b. To further illustrate ornamentation, horizontal, ornamental grills 47 are attached immediately below members 12b and 13b. Such grills may be made of expanded metal or other decorative materials. It will be understood that the table may be ornamented in other ways as will occur to a designer.

The table of FIG. 6 employs many of the features of the preceding modifications and the same reference numerals followed by subscript c are used to designate corresponding parts. In this form of the invention,

horizontal or beveled edge molding 51 is provided along the edges of side and end supports 12c, 130. The moldings 51 may be welded or integrally fabricated with the members 120, and 13c. As shown in FIG. 8, member 51 may be a shape having a top member 52 which extends laterally outward but also a short distance inward to cover the top edge of member 12c. Member 51 has an elongated, vertical flange 53 which is positioned between side 120 (or end 130) and leg 14c and secured by screw 18c. The aperture 19 in member 12c may be a short horizontal slot instead of a round hole to accommodate necessary space considerations due to presence of a member corresponding to 53 on the end of the table. The top surfaces of moldings 51 may be level with the panels 360, or they may be beveled upwardly-outwardly or ornamentally shaped. Other side and end members may be substituted for those previously described.

What is claimed is:

1. A table of the character described comprising a top frame, legs supporting said top frame, and a plurality of panels fitting in said top frame, at least some of said panels being square in plan, said top frame comprising side members on either side, end members on either end, said side end members being T-shaped in cross section with the base of the T vertical and outermost, and at least one intermediate member of T-shape cross section with the base of the T horizontal and lowermost, each of said side and end members having a horizontal flange supporting the adjacent edges of a plurality of panels and a vertical flange restraining outward shifting of adjacent panels, said intermediate member having a vertical intermediate member flange to restrain lateral shifting and a pair of intermediate member horizontal flanges supporting adjacent edges of a plurality of panels, the ends of said intermediate member being shaped to be supported by the horizontal flanges of an adjacent side or end member to support said intermediate member in horizontal position, said intermediate member being freely adjustably movable relative to said side and end members prior to installation of said panels and fixed in position relative to said side and end members after placement of said panels between the vertical flanges of said side, end and intermediate members, the marginal edges of bottoms of said panels resting on said horizontal flanges, at least some of said vertical flanges extending up to the top surfaces of said panels, said vertical intermediate member flanges being interposed between adjacent panels, the top edges of all the vertical flanges lying in a common horizontal plane.

2. A table according to claim 1 in which each said panel is flat on the top.

3. A table according to claim 1 in which at least one said panel has edge flanges around all four edges and is concave inside said edge flanges, said edge flanges resting on said horizontal flanges with the top surfaces of said edge flanges level with the top edges of said vertical flanges.

4. A table according to claim 3 in which said panel concave and has a plurality of individually, removable sections which interfit and support means for said sections on said concave panel.

5. A table according to claim 1 in which at least two of said panels are fractions of squares and a square anel is ositi ed d'ac nt 'd fr ti 1 a el. p 6.At ble ear? 1 e Sal ac (ma p n S ing to claim 1 in which at least one said panel is formed of a stack of superimposed, separable, thin panels, each said thin panel being individually movable relative to the other said thin panels.

7. A table according to claim 1 in which said side, end and intermediate members are each T-shaped in cross-section.

8. A table according to claim 7 in which said inter mediate members at either end are formed so that the vertical flanges thereof are substantially unaltered, but the ends of the horizontal flanges are bent downwardly slanted and then in a horizontal stretch so that the bottom edge of said vertical flange rests on the horizontal flange of one of either said end, intermediate or side members and said horizontal stretches fit under said horizontal flanges of either said end, intermediate or side members.

9. A table according to claim 1 which further comprises a shelf below said top frame, said shelf having a shelf frame supported by said legs and a plurality of shelf panels fitting in said shelf frame, said shelf frame comprising second side members on either side, second end members on either end and at least one second intermediate member, each of said second side and end members having a second horizontal flange supporting the adjacent edges of a plurality of shelf panels and a vertical flange restraining outward shifting of adjacent shelf panels, and second intermediate member having second horizontal surfaces supporting adjacent edges of a plurality of shelf panels.

10. A table according to claim 1 which further comprises flnials at corners of the tops of said legs.

11. A table according to claim 1 which further comprises decorative, horizontal strips on said top frame.

12. A table according to claim 1 in which each said side and end member has an outward, extending, decorative molding. 

1. A table of the character described comprising a top frame, legs supporting said top frame, and a plurality of panels fitting in said top frame, at least some of said panels being square in plan, said top frame comprising side members on either side, end members on either end, said side end members being T-shaped in cross section with the base of the T vertical and outermost, and at least one intermediate member of T-shape cross section with the base of the T horizontal and lowermost, each of said side and end members having a horizontal flange supporting the adjacent edges of a plurality of panels and a vertical flange restraining outward shifting of adjacent panels, said intermediate member having a vertical intermediate member flange to restrain lateral shifting and a pair of intermediate member horizontal flanges supporting adjacent edges of a plurality of panels, the ends of said intermediate member being shaped to be supported by the horizontal flanges of an adjacent side or end member to support said intermediate member in horizontal position, said intermediate member being freely adjustably movable relative to said side and end members prior to installation of said panels and fixed in position relative to said side and end members after placement of said panels between the vertical flanges of said side, end and intermediate members, the marginal edges of bottoms of said panels resting on said horizontal flanges, at least some of said vertical flanges extending up to the top surfaces of said panels, said vertical intermediate member flanges being interposed between adjacent panels, the top edges of all the vertical flanges lying in a common horizontal plane.
 2. A table according to claim 1 in which each said panel is flat on the top.
 3. A table according to claim 1 in which at least one said panel has edge flanges around all four edges and is concave inside said edge flanges, said edge flanges resting on said horizontal flanges with the top surfaces of said edge flanges level with the top edges of said vertical flanges.
 4. A table according to claim 3 in which said panel concave and has a plurality of individually, removable sections which interfit and support means for said sections on said concave panel.
 5. A table according to claim 1 in which at least two of said panels are fractions of squares and a square panel is positioned adjacent said fractional panels.
 6. A table according to claim 1 in which at least one said panel is formed of a stack of superimposed, separable, thin panels, each said thin panel being individually movable relative to the other said thin panels.
 7. A table according to claim 1 in which said side, end and intermediate members are each T-shaped in cross-section.
 8. A table according to claim 7 in which said intermediate members at either end are formed so that the vertical flanges thereof are substantially unaltered, but the ends of the horizontal flanges are bent downwardly slanted and then in a horizontal stretch so that the bottom edge of said vertical flange rests on the horizontal flange of one of either said end, intermediate or side members and said horizontal stretches fit under said horizontal flanges of either said end, intermediate or side members.
 9. A table according to claim 1 which further comprises a shelf below said top frame, said shelf having a shelf frame supported by said legs and a plurality of shelf panels fitting in said shelf frame, said shelf frame comprising second side members on either side, second end members on either end and at least one second intermediate member, each of said second side and end members having a second horizontal flange supporting the adjacent edges of a plurality of shelf panels and a vertical flange restraining outward shifting of adjacent shelf panels, and second intermediate member having second horizontal surfaces supporting adjacent edges of a plurality of shelf panels.
 10. A table according to claim 1 which further comprises finials at corners of the tops of said legs.
 11. A table according to claim 1 which further comprises decorative, horizontal strips on said top frame.
 12. A table according to claim 1 in which each said side and end member has an outward, extending, decorative molding. 